Sip Wine from the Côtes-du-Rhône… then Visit the Rhône Valley

Every month, a group of #Winophiles, who love all things French, gather to share their recent discoveries via articles, photographs and conversation. This month, the topic of choice is the Rhône Valley region of Côtes-du-Rhône. Each of us is profiling a wine and food for pairing and in some cases, highlights of their visit. I invite you to enjoy our articles linked below.

As a prelude to the AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Rhône River wine cruise I’m hosting April 7-14, 2022, I’ve chosen a beautiful Syrah, Saint Cosme 2020 Côtes-du-Rhône (sent as a sample), and a traditional Rhône-Alpes recipe for Lyonnaise Potatoes as a side dish to savory grilled or smoked meat. Let’s just say I’m feeling the Rhône Valley vibe right now!

About the Rhône Valley

The Rhône River is one of the most iconic rivers in the world. From the Alps, south of Lucerne, Switzerland, the river meanders through the vineyards of the Valais and Savoie, the vineyard area from Vienne to Valence, and finally to the vineyards of the Southern Rhône and the Midi.  Fortunate are those who have the opportunity to cruise the Rhône River on the many ships that make the journey. Indeed, they’re able to indulge in the area’s rich cultural heritage and savor exceptional wines from a region that is the second largest French AOC.

Although many consider the area one, it falls naturally into two parts: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. Each part has different climates and in general, cultivates different grape varieties.

Currently, the total distance of the vineyards in the valley along the river is 250 kilometers. 80% of the wine production in the region is red with major varieties including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault. Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne are the predominant white varieties. As a whole, the Rhône Valley produces reds, whites, rosés, and fortified wines that pair beautifully with every occasion and a wide range of foods.

Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône 2020

Syrah is the star grape of the Northern Rhône Valley where it’s used to make bold, spicy, peppery wines. In the Southern Rhône, it’s mainly used in blends from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Côtes-du-Rhône. However, I found a 100% Syrah from the Southern Rhône in the heart of the Gigondas.

The estate of Château de Saint Cosme has been in the same family of vignerons for 14 generations – since 1490. In 1997, the family created a negociant activity called “Negociant-Vigneron.” The premise was to “be a negociant who could work with the spirit of a vigneron using ancient methods.” In essence, Château de Saint Cosme remains a small producer and is joined by winemakers with the same passion. The goal at Saint Cosme is to “make balanced wines which express their terroir with purity and personality and also have a great ability to age.” To achieve their goal, work is done “à la main” with an emphasis on traditional techniques and organic viticulture.

The wine I chose, Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône 2020, was remarkable. Not only is it 100% Syrah, unusual for the region because most wines are predominantly Grenache, but the price was a mere $20! The wines from the estate labeled only “Saint Cosme” are those with grapes purchased from contracted growers, or négociants. This Syrah is vineyards on stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard – they’re known for their limestone sand, red clay and pebbles. The grapes are partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts and vinified in concrete vats. On the nose and palate, I found rich and lush black fruit, ripe dark plums, bacon, crushed blueberries, rose petals, herbs and minerality. The wine was elegant, powerful, exceptional.

Fruit-forward, balanced and fresh, enjoy sips of the Syrah with a perfectly cooked meat… perhaps grilled or smoked with mushrooms, onions and herbs. As a side, try Lyonnaise Potatoes with onions and garlic (click here for the recipe). Savored throughout the region, the dish is comprised of sliced pan-fried potatoes and thinly sliced onions sauteed in butter with parsley. A snap to put together, enjoy its authentic aromas and delicious flavors and pour another glass of Saint Cosme 2020 Côtes-du-Rhône as you dream of visiting the region!

For more wine, food and travel inspiration, enjoy the articles (links below) from my #Winophiles colleagues. Then, join me on AmaWaterways’ Colors of Provence cruise along the Rhône River from April 7-14, 2022. Together, our group will wine, dine and explore this beautiful part of the world. Click here for the luxurious details.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

• Jeff from Food Wine Click! thinks we should Embrace the Base of the Côtes du Rhône Pyramid.
• Cathie of Side Hustle Wino exclaims OMGigondas.
• Mel of Wining with Mel introduces us to The Wonderful World of Chapoutier in Côtes du Rhône.
• Terri of Our Good Life tells you What You Need to Know about Côtes du Rhône Wines.
• Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla Assembles an End of Summer Cheeseboard with Domaine Chamfort Sablet La Pause Côtes du Rhône Villages 2019.
• Robin of Crushed Grapes Chronicles talks about Côtes du Rhône & Côtes du Rhône Villages – a plethora of flavors to pair with!
• David of Cooking Chat shares Grilled Sirloin Steak and Cotes du Rhone
• Jen of Vino Travels takes us on A Journey Through the Cotes du Rhone
• Jane of Always Ravenous shares Cote du Rhone Wines: Tasting and Pairing
• Nicole of Somm’s Table says Bring on the Cotes du Rhone
• Katrina of The Corkscrew Concierge explains Why You Should be Drinking White Rhone Wines
• Linda of My Full Wine Glass introduces us to Red, white and pink-The colors of Cotes du Rhone wine
• Pinny of Chinese Food and Wine Pairings shares Cotes du Rhone and Perfect Fried Rice
• Jill of L’Occasion is Feeling Satisfied with Cotes du Rhone
• Susannah of Avvinare shares A Fresh Look at the Cote du Rhone
• Wendy from A Day in the Life on theFarm shares A Month’s Worth of Celebrations with Cotes du Rhone.